Ardgay Game wins FLS contract for north of Scotland

High quality, sustainable venison from land managed by Forestry and Land Scotland is  now reaching domestic and international markets with the help of two Scottish processors.

Following the recent tender of ten geographic lots, long-standing partner, Highland Game, which will continue to operate in nine areas, has been joined by Ardgay Game, which won the contract for the north of Scotland.

Ardgay Game has over 40 years of experience and has recently completed a £1 million infrastructure investment that has allowed a 37% increase in deer processing capacity.  As a result of winning the tender it intends to create two full-time and nine seasonal jobs.

Ruaridh Waugh, CEO of Ardgay Game, said;

“This partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland marks an exciting new chapter for Ardgay Game. We’re honoured to work alongside Highland Game, a long-standing leader in the venison industry, as we both champion the growth of sustainable, high-quality Scottish venison.

“With growing consumer awareness around health, sustainability, and low-carbon food choices, wild Scottish venison is perfectly positioned to meet these trends.

“We look forward to collaborating across the industry to realise its full potential and help put Scottish venison at the forefront of sustainable eating.”

Proximity to the FLS sites will ensure lower transportation costs and support long-term cost control, as well as reducing emissions.

Forestry and Land Scotland’s Head of Wildlife Management, Anton Watson, said;

“Deer management is fundamentally important for our woodland creation and our habitat conservation work.

“An important aspect of that is having the necessary, behind-the-scenes infrastructure in place to help us get Scottish venison to market and on to people’s plates.

“Ardgay Game is excellently placed to work with us in the north of Scotland and we look forward to working with them.”

Ardgay Game joins long-standing FLS partner Highland Game in helping to capitalise on one of Scotland’s under used natural resources.

With greater recognition of the health benefits and higher levels of uptake in sectors including schools, hospitals, the armed services and others, Highland Game has increased its staffing level by 30% over the las five years to meet the growing demand for venison. 

Responding to Ardgay Game’s involvement in venison supply, Highland Game Managing Director, Christian Nissen said that greater collaboration in supply – as well as customer partnerships – was key to drive forward the Scottish quality venison industry.

Mr Nissen said;

“Ardgay Game’s long-term commitment to sustainability, quality and operational efficiencies are geared towards better serving the market place so we very much welcome them to the fold.

“Scotland has an opportunity to tap into a fantastic natural resource and, through providing a top quality product that is the basis for market-leading, convenient and low-carbon meal solutions, help to realise the full potential that venison offers. With sustainable investment to drive greater efficiencies and more of the highly skilled staff needed to drive innovation, there are great commercial opportunities to be seized.

“We are delighted to further progress our strategic partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland at this key time as we continue to develop wider commercial partnerships in both the private and public sectors.”

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot